First Evidence of Viking-Like 'Sunstone' Found

[Skywizard]

I was watching the History Channel’s new series Vikings and when they started their journey west they were using what they called a sunstone to navigate in overcast weather. I too, thought this was Viking lore but then I found this.

Ancient lore has suggested that the Vikings used special crystals to find their way under less-than-sunny skies. Though none of these so-called "sunstones" have ever been found at Viking archaeological sites, a crystal uncovered in a British shipwreck could help prove they did indeed exist.

A chemical analysis confirmed that the stone was Icelandic Spar, or calcite crystal, believed to be the Vikings' mineral of choice for their fabled sunstones, mentioned in the 13th-century Viking saga of Saint Olaf.

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Source: http://www.livescience.com/27696-viking-sunstone-shipwreck.html


Peace…
skywizard

[Chip]

This fascinates me too, I have been following this discovery as well.
From my understanding is that the nature of the refractive qualities of this crystal produces 2 images side by side. These images join as one when pointed east or west. Even in twilight hours and or overcast conditions.
Just FYI for those who only like Vids.
Thanks for the post skywizard as it made me do more research. I'm finding more info that is confirming all the speculation regarding its navigational usage.
Cheers
Chip

[Skywizard]

Thanks for the post skywizard as it made me do more research. I'm finding more info that is confirming all the speculation regarding its navigational usage.

Your welcome Chipsam,
After starting this thread on the Viking sunstone story I did a little more researching myself and ran across this video.


http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xyivaq_ancient-x-files-viking-sunstone_shortfilms#.UVMGASr5w6g

peace...
skywizard

[conk]

Ancient Aliens had a good episode about Vikings. Everyone else was content to sit around the fire and stay warm. The Norse people were out running all over the world! Yet another culture that seemingly made a huge leap in knowledge abruptly.